Connecticut is sending National Guard Airmen and a cargo plane to Puerto Rico to assist in Hurricane Irma relief efforts, the governor’s office announced Saturday.
Eight Airmen from the 103rd Airlift Wing and a C-130 cargo plane have been deployed. The unit includes C-130H pilots, crewmembers, loadmasters, and maintainers.
“Connecticut knows all too well the damage that can result from severe storms, and we are grateful for all the help we received from others as we worked to recover from those storms. We have an obligation to help our neighbors in need, and I thank our Connecticut Air National Guardsmen for taking on this mission to provide assistance to Puerto Rico in their time of need. The State of Connecticut stands ready to provide support across the nation in the ongoing response and recovery efforts as a result the damage caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Jose,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement.
Other members of the Connecticut National Guard were previously deployed to Texas to support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts ad returned home after completing their mission.
One member of the Connecticut Air National Guard remains at Joint Base San Antonio, supporting the tracking and controlling of air missions.
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection warned citizens against self-dispatching to areas affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. State officials encouraged those interested in helping to volunteer with the American Red Cross.
